Apple’s AirPods and Beats Studio Buds+ are two of the most popular true wireless earbuds you can buy right now. Many people wonder: which one is actually worth your money in 2024? Both products come from Apple, but they have different designs, features, and prices. If you want to upgrade your listening experience, it’s smart to compare them side by side before making a decision.
This guide will break down the main differences between the Apple AirPods 4 and the Beats Studio Buds+. We’ll look at sound quality, comfort, battery life, smart features, and overall value. You’ll also find comparison tables, practical tips, and answers to common questions. Whether you care more about audio performance, seamless connection with your iPhone, or just want the best deal, this article will help you decide which is truly worth it.
Exclusive Deals
Limited-time Exclusive Deals. Check current discount on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Apple Airpods 4: What’s New And Notable
Apple’s AirPods 4 are the newest version of their iconic wireless earbuds. They look similar to the previous generation but offer some important upgrades.
Key features:
- Adaptive Audio: This feature balances outside sounds and your music. If you walk into a busy street, AirPods 4 adjust the noise control automatically.
- Find My integration: Each AirPod can be tracked individually if you lose it.
- Personalized Volume: AirPods 4 use machine learning to adjust volume based on your environment and listening habits.
- Better battery life: Up to 6 hours on a single charge, and 30 hours with the case.
- Sweat and water resistance: Rated IP54, making them more durable for workouts and rain.
- USB-C charging case: The move from Lightning to USB-C makes charging easier.
Notable improvements:
The Adaptive Audio and Personalized Volume features are exclusive to AirPods 4. These work best if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. The sound quality is richer, with better bass and clearer mids compared to AirPods 3. The fit has also improved for more ear shapes, and the force sensor stems make controls simple.
Exclusive Deals
Limited-time Exclusive Deals. Check current discount on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Downsides:
The AirPods 4 still don’t have true active noise cancellation (ANC) like the AirPods Pro. If you want total silence, these may not be enough. The price is also higher than many competitors, especially outside the US.
Beats Studio Buds+: The Power Of Flexibility
The Beats Studio Buds+ are designed for people who want good sound and flexibility, without being tied to Apple devices. These are the upgraded version of the first Studio Buds, with some surprising changes.
Key features:
Exclusive Deals
Limited-time Exclusive Deals. Check current discount on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Transparency mode
- Three ear tip sizes for better fit
- Up to 9 hours of listening time (36 hours with case)
- USB-C charging
- Works with both iOS and Android
Unique strengths:
Unlike the AirPods 4, the Beats Studio Buds+ have real ANC. This blocks out more outside noise, making them better for flights, commutes, and loud offices. The transparency mode is also useful if you want to hear announcements or have conversations without removing the buds.
The Beats Studio Buds+ fit deeper into your ear canal, which helps with both comfort and sound isolation. They also come in fun colors like black/gold and transparent, as well as classic white.
Limitations:
The audio quality is good, but not as detailed as AirPods 4. The microphone quality is average, so if you make many calls, you might notice background noise. Also, the fit can be tricky for people with very small or large ears, even with the extra tips.
Design And Comfort: Which Feels Better?
Everyone’s ears are different, so comfort is personal. But there are some clear differences between these two earbuds.
AirPods 4:
- Hard plastic, semi-open fit (no silicone tips)
- Sits just outside the ear canal
- Very lightweight (about 4 grams per bud)
- No ear fatigue for most users, even after long listening sessions
Beats Studio Buds+:
- In-ear design with silicone tips (three sizes)
- Sits deeper, making a seal in your ear
- Slightly heavier (5 grams per bud)
- Better noise isolation, but can feel tight over time for some people
One thing beginners often miss: the AirPods 4’s hard plastic can slip out during workouts or sweating, while the Beats’ silicone tips hold better during movement. However, some people dislike the “plugged” feeling of in-ear tips. Try both in-store if possible.
Sound Quality: Audio Performance Compared
For many buyers, sound is the most important feature. Here’s how they compare:
Apple AirPods 4:
- Balanced sound with clear vocals and mids
- Slightly boosted bass compared to AirPods 3
- Great for podcasts, pop, and classical music
- Adaptive Audio makes volume changes feel natural
Beats Studio Buds+:
- Strong bass, “fun” sound profile for hip-hop and EDM
- Treble is crisp but mids can be less clear
- ANC enhances detail by removing background noise
- Volume can go higher than AirPods 4
A non-obvious insight: AirPods 4’s Adaptive Audio helps avoid sudden loud sounds (like train announcements), but only if you’re using an iPhone with iOS 17+. Beats Studio Buds+ are more “set and forget”—you choose ANC or Transparency, but they don’t adjust automatically.
Smart Features And Connectivity
Both earbuds offer one-touch pairing and hands-free voice assistant access. But there are differences in how “smart” they really are.
AirPods 4:
- Instant pairing with all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch)
- Audio sharing with another pair of AirPods
- Automatic device switching
- “Hey Siri” always on
- Find My support for each earbud and case
- Personalized Spatial Audio (surround sound effect)
Beats Studio Buds+:
- Fast Pair for Android and iOS
- Works with Google Assistant and Siri
- “Find My” (iOS) and “Find My Device” (Android) support
- No automatic device switching
- No Personalized Spatial Audio
If you use mostly Apple devices, the AirPods 4 feel seamless. If you mix Apple and Android, the Beats Studio Buds+ are easier to use across both worlds.
Battery Life And Charging
Battery life can be a dealbreaker for some users. Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Feature | AirPods 4 | Beats Studio Buds+ |
|---|---|---|
| Earbud battery life | Up to 6 hours | Up to 9 hours (w/o ANC) |
| Total with case | Up to 30 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Fast charge | 5 min = 1 hour | 5 min = 1 hour |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
A beginner mistake: Not all battery numbers are equal. With ANC on, Beats Studio Buds+ last closer to 6 hours per charge—similar to AirPods 4. But if you turn off ANC, Beats last longer overall.
Price And Value
Price matters, especially when features are close. Here’s how the two compare in the US market:
- Apple AirPods 4: Around $179
- Beats Studio Buds+: Around $169
You might find discounts on Beats more often than AirPods. Also, Beats include three ear tip sizes in the box, while AirPods have just one shape.
When Is Each Model “worth It”?
- Choose AirPods 4 if you value seamless Apple integration, want the latest smart features, and don’t need ANC.
- Choose Beats Studio Buds+ if you want ANC, longer battery, color choices, and the flexibility to use Android.
Durability And Everyday Use
Both earbuds are made to handle daily life, but there are differences in protection and real-world usage.
AirPods 4:
- IP54 water and dust resistance (earbuds and case)
- Good for workouts, rain, and sweat
- Hard case is scratch resistant
Beats Studio Buds+:
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance (earbuds only)
- Case is not water-resistant
- Clear case option can show scratches over time
If you often drop your earbuds or use them outdoors, AirPods 4’s case is tougher. But for most people, both are strong enough for everyday use.
Comparing Controls And Usability
Ease of use is important, especially for calls or changing songs on the go.
| Control Method | AirPods 4 | Beats Studio Buds+ |
|---|---|---|
| On-ear controls | Force sensor (stem squeeze) | Physical button (on bud) |
| Volume control | On stem or voice | On earbud |
| Call answer/end | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant | “Hey Siri” | Siri / Google Assistant |
Some users find the AirPods’ stem controls more natural, while others prefer a physical button. If you wear gloves often, the Beats’ button is easier to press.
Compatibility With Devices
One of the main questions people ask: will these earbuds work well with my phone or computer? Here’s a quick guide.
AirPods 4:
- Best with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch
- Basic Bluetooth with Android or Windows, but lose features like Find My and Personalized Audio
Beats Studio Buds+:
- Good with both iOS and Android
- Fast Pair and Find My Device work on Android
- Fewer Apple-only features, but more universal
If you switch between Apple and non-Apple devices, Beats Studio Buds+ are more versatile. If you’re 100% in the Apple world, AirPods 4 offer a smoother experience.
Real-world Listening: Scenarios
Let’s break down which model wins in different real-life situations:
- Commuting in a noisy city: Beats Studio Buds+ (because of ANC)
- Long listening at home: AirPods 4 (more comfort, less ear fatigue)
- Working out: Tie (AirPods for comfort, Beats for secure fit)
- Taking calls outside: AirPods 4 (better microphone, especially with wind)
- Switching between phone and laptop: AirPods 4 (automatic switching)
Which Is Worth It For You?
Choosing between Apple AirPods 4 and Beats Studio Buds+ depends on what you value most.
- If you want the best integration with iPhone, smart features, and reliable comfort, AirPods 4 are worth it.
- If you care more about active noise cancellation, longer battery, and flexibility with different devices, Beats Studio Buds+ are a better value.
Remember, there’s no single “best” for everyone. Think about your daily habits and how you’ll use your earbuds most. Sometimes, small details (like charging port or control style) matter more than specs.
For a deeper dive into technical specs, you can check the official Apple AirPods 4 page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Airpods 4 Better Than Beats Studio Buds+ For Phone Calls?
Yes, the AirPods 4 generally have better microphone quality. Apple uses advanced algorithms to reduce wind and background noise. If you often make calls outside or in busy places, AirPods 4 will give you clearer voice pickup.
Which Earbuds Have Better Noise Cancellation?
The Beats Studio Buds+ offer real active noise cancellation (ANC), which blocks out more background noise than the AirPods 4. AirPods 4 have Adaptive Audio, but it does not fully cancel noise like ANC.
Can I Use Airpods 4 Or Beats Studio Buds+ With Android Phones?
Both earbuds work with Android phones using Bluetooth. However, Beats Studio Buds+ are more Android-friendly, offering Fast Pair, Find My Device, and Google Assistant support. AirPods 4 lose many smart features when used with Android.
Are Either Of These Good For Working Out?
Both are sweat and water-resistant. AirPods 4 are more comfortable for long workouts, but can slip out if you sweat a lot. Beats Studio Buds+ stay in better due to their in-ear tips, but some people find them less comfortable for hours at a time.
Do They Support Wireless Charging?
The AirPods 4 support MagSafe and wireless charging (on some versions). The Beats Studio Buds+ do not support wireless charging; they only charge via USB-C.
In the end, both AirPods 4 and Beats Studio Buds+ are strong choices. Your daily needs and device preferences will decide which is truly worth it for you.
